West Easton, housing developer try to settle dispute

Borough's lawsuit says complex will burden storm-water system.

March 09, 2003|By Angel R. Ackerman Special to the Morning Call - Freelance

Officials from Valley Housing Development Corp. and West Easton will meet March 18 to try to settle a lawsuit the borough filed to stop Valley Housing's planned 60-unit apartment complex for senior citizens.

Valley Housing plans to build the complex in the 500 block of Avona Street in Wilson, which is at the border with West Easton.

In its lawsuit filed last month, West Easton asked Northampton County Court to reverse Wilson council's decision that allowed the apartment complex to be built.

West Easton says its storm water and sewer systems would be burdened by the apartment complex. It is also concerned about traffic from the apartments.

At its meeting Monday, West Easton council members discussed their concerns with engineers involved in the project and said Valley Housing has agreed to survey the wastewater management system in the area near the proposed development.

Valley Housing Executive Director John Seitz told council Valley Housing intends to be a good neighbor and will work with the borough to address concerns.

Valley Housing has offered to provide assistance for Wilson and West Easton to deal with storm water generated by the project. Valley Housing officials said they believe water runoff should decrease after construction because of the planned drainage system.

Valley Housing bought 15 plastic inserts for manhole covers to prevent rainwater from entering. They have been installed in Wilson by the Public Works Department.

In other action, council:

Awarded a contract for the Main Street storm-water management project to Wexcon Inc. of Reading for $138,929. The borough has a $175,000 Community Development Block Grant to pay for the project.

Examined two plans, on how to make Keystone Park meet new liability standards for playground equipment. Council has $25,000 budgeted to refurbish the park, but costs are estimated at more than $36,000. Council decided to table the issue until the March 18 special meeting.